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Licensing of skips, scaffolds, and hoardings placed on the highway

When is a licence required?

If you intend placing a builder's skip, or erecting a scaffold or hoarding on the highway, then a license is required. These licenses are often referred to a 'skip permit' or 'scaffold / hoarding permit'.

The need to obtain a license to place a builder's skip on the highway is contained under Section 139 of the Highways Act 1980. The need to obtain a license to place a scaffold or hoarding on the highway is contained under Section 169 of the Highways Act 1980.

You do not need a license from the council in order to place a skip, scaffold or hoarding on private property.

Who should apply?

The skip hire operator / scaffolding company should apply to the council for the necessary license.

This is for the reason that applicants are required to carry Public Liability Insurance to the value of £5 million per claim.

We strongly recommend you check out the credentials of the company you are using before hiring a skip or arranging for a scaffold / hoarding to be placed on the highway. Enforcement action may be taken by the council in respect of illegal obstructions of the highway.

Charges

Application to place a builder's skip on the highway £20
(Note: maximum period of permit is 28 days before re-application is required)

Unauthorised / late applications to place a builder's skip on the highway £50

Application to erect a scaffold or hoarding on the highway £55 for every 28 days or part thereof (Total charge is a single payment charged on deposit of the application)

The Council will raise a monthly invoice to the applicant covering the charges for all permits processed on the applicant's behalf during that period.

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it using the contact details below.

Public Register

A public register is kept which can be viewed by contacting the address below and arranging a convenient time.